Did You Know?
Facts: Homelessness in LA
LA County is home to the largest population of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S., with over 72,000 individuals affected. Skid Row, in Downtown LA, contains one of the largest stable populations of individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States, estimated at over 4,400.
Did you know that nearly a quarter of all of America's unhoused individuals reside in NYC or Los Angeles alone? According to the 2024 Greater LA Homeless Count, 30% are women and around 8% are veterans.
A recent study by UCSF found that the #1 reason people with a lease in LA fell into homelessness was loss of income (not substance use, mental health...).
Our Response
Vintage is committed to relational, consistent presence—not just meeting basic needs, but radical hospitality.
Outreach Dinners at the Salvation Army
For years, Vintage has maintained a weekly outreach dinner in partnership with the Salvation Army. This dinner takes place at the Salvation Army in Santa Monica and is run entirely by Vintage volunteer leaders and volunteers! In addition to receiving nutritious meals, guests are invited to meet with UCLA health, receive prayer, collect critical hygiene and clothing items, and to be treated with dignity and respect in a safe space!
We believe deeply in this mission as a tangible and consistent way to reflect Christ’s love and care for the marginalized.
Support on Skid Row with Union Rescue Mission
This winter, in addition to teaming up with the Salvation Army for our weekly outreach dinners, we will be partnering with Union Rescue Mission (URM), who serve individuals and families on Skid Row with holistic, wrap-around care and supportive housing.
Vintage will be helping prepare a special Thanksgiving meal for residents in November, and preparing and serving hot meals to residents on a December weekend leading up to Christmas as well!
These days offer a safe and meaningful way for Vintage volunteers to support individuals coming off of Skid Row. It’s also a great chance to learn about URM - the largest private homeless shelter in the US - and their impactful mission of supporting individuals and families off of Skid Row and into long-term stability and security!
Find Out More
Want to make hygiene and/or wellness kits with your community group or family? Interested in leading an initiative to support our unhoused neighbors? We’d love to hear from you, email Sarah Chase for more information.
